Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Applications

Cost-effective and environment-friendly energy storage device is major concern to reduce environment pollution which is major source of fossil fuels. Rechargeable batteries and super capacitor are the promising storage devices used to provide power because of their high energy and power densities, and because of limited power densities of the batteries, it has been restricted in use of electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. So, to enhance the performance of these storage devices, nanotechnology and nanomaterials will play very crucial role in present energy sector. Because of fast diffusion of ions and high particle volume, improved electronic conductivity provided by nanomaterials leads to high current, which is very promising candidate for high energy and power storage. Because of versatile nature of nanomaterials limitations like high reactivity, chemical instability can be overcome by fictionalization of their surfaces and their synthesis process. Present chapter discusses the synthesis methods of nanomaterials, and their application in energy-related application will focus more towards batteries and super capacitor. Chapter also discussed the potential of nanomaterials incorporated into biomasses and hydrogen storage as an aid or addictive to enhance the efficiency of bioenergy storage and conversion. Nanomaterials contribute to better performance of biofuels, biodiesel, and hydrogen production. In addition to prominence, the obvious advantages of nanomaterials and their limitations and challenges of nanomaterials while being used for batteries and super capacitor systems have also been elaborated in this chapter.